Sadie Thompson vs. The Puritans. Maxwell Anderson's screenplay of the W. Somerset Maugham story. Joan Crawford. Walter Huston, William Gargan For more info on this film see its IMDB.com entry
Reviewer:GladysReads7*
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September 21, 2023 Subject:
A golden actress in Hollywood's Golden Age
I found the DVD decades ago in a Walmart bin. Knew nothing about the movie, but Crawford's name was enough. Rain is a brilliant film, proof the "golden
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age" glittered with talent that remains unparalleled. One set, minimal wardrobe and a story as old as time combine to make it spectacular! The truly don't make 'em like like this anymore.
Reviewer:EllenWhyte
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July 6, 2020 Subject:
Fantastic adaptation - with a slightly obscure ending
This W. Somerset Maugham story throws happy go luck prostitute Sadie Thompson (Joan Crawford) in with a bunch of moralising missionary zealots, headed
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by Alfred Davidson (Walter Huston). It's a story of how bullying works, with absolutely fantastic acting by Crawford and Huston as well as the supporting characters. If you've read the story, you won't recognise Sadie's love interest but as he's not there most of the time, it doesn't interfere with Maugham's genius. Def worth watching! And now a spoiler because the film's ending is a little obscure.... Sure you want to read it? Okay, go on... When Sadie goes to sleep, Davidson is overcome with his own success. Already mesmerised by Sadie, he tumbles into lust. As the drums beat, he goes into her room and they have sex. In the book, Sadie sees this as confirmation that all men suck because they're only after having sex with her. In the film, there is a hint that Davidson may have raped her. Hope this helps explain the ending.
Reviewer:Dr Feel Rotten
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October 26, 2010 Subject:
Te ending is a shocker
The ending is so abrupt and strange to me. A Victorian missionary is the last person I would expect to end things the way he does with absolutely no reason
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given for his actions nor those of Sadie Thompson at the end. I really expected the preacher to decide he wanted to get some and perhaps he did and then decided to pay for his sins, but the movie leaves you hanging in that respect. All in all a real gem of a flick.
Reviewer:ohsnapiam56
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September 3, 2010 Subject:
Possible Spoilers!
I really didn't expect much from this movie but it grabs you. Walter Houston is really wonderful...the scene when he 'saves' her is very powerful. But
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for me, the best part is at the end...the way that soldier looks at her...knowing what happened and loving her anyways. Loved the ending. Gem of a movie.
Reviewer:lauraalittle
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June 26, 2010 Subject:
The Entrance
Appropriately, we have to wait several minutes for Joan Crawford's entrance as Sadie Thompson -- and what an entrance! It is right up there with Rita Hayworth's
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breathtaking entrance in "Gilda." Crawford was one of a kind, and I can enjoy watching all of her early films over and over. "Rain," of course, is one of my favorites. Walter Huston does a terrific job here as well and, I belive, is generally underrated as a performer. Besides "Treasure of Sierra Madre," I would like to see more of his films. Can someone tell me if any of Crawford's silent movies have survived? I would love to see her earliest work, particularly in her flapper personna.
Reviewer:bestpbx
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April 26, 2008 Subject:
Rain and Sadie Thompson
John Huston is not in this movie. The "rickety boarding house" is not really a boarding house, it is just a general store that hase a couple of bedrooms
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the proprietor is willing to rent out in times of need. The store is run by sleazy and lecherous ol' "Joe Horn" (played by Guy Kibbee). Walter Huston (Father of John Huston) is in this movie. He plays the ill-fated Dr. Alfred Davidson. The movie opens with the oppressive rain pouring down and it is evident that it has been raining for several days. The marines have landed and they hit the want cigarettes and fun. They eventually find both. In Sadie's room at the general store. When Ms. Crawford literally burst on the scene as "Sadie" the show is ON! Dr. Davidson and his wife and another married couple traveling with the Davidsons end up stranded and must stay for several days at the general store. The Dr. and Mrs. Davidson (played by Beulah Bondi)are very strict religious types. Dr. Davidson aims his religious rifle at Sadie and gradually wins converts her to his way of thinking. She seems content and willing to do anything it takes to repent and restore her soul. Until, one night when the weakness of another person robs Sadie of her redemption... Great cast.
Reviewer:mdebutante
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April 24, 2008 Subject:
Joan Crawford!
Crawford is fantastic as a happy go lucky, vampy wanderer living in John Huston's rickety boarding house. She's kicking up her heels with jazz and sailors,
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until the stern Christian "reformer" Mr. Dennison and his easily outraged wife are forced to become house guests. I really LOVE this movie! The rain really is incessant, and was starting to drive me crazy, too! The cinematography is interesting. Nothing compares to this movie!
Reviewer:rq52
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November 28, 2007 Subject:
an early fantastic film with Ms. Crawford and Mr. Huston
This film I saw in a class called "Art of the Film" wayback in the 1970's at college. I might however offer some revisions in your page of the film.
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It was done by United Artists (film company owned by C.Chaplin.D.Fairbacks,&M.Pickford. Ms.Crawford was on loaned from M.G.M, and the film adaptation was from a play that was on Broadway in the 1920's. A great choice!!!!!!!!! Nice to you back I.A.
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